Smoke Signals

By J. Alex Knoll

The Parole Rotary is preparing the finishing touches to this year’s second annual ­Naptown barBAYq Contest and Music Festival.
Taking place at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds Friday, May 4, and Saturday, May 5, the volunteer-driven event features more than two dozen barbecue competitors and even more live music acts. Add to the mix a well-balanced group of food vendors and merchants and a special Kiddie Korral, and you’ve got something for everyone.
Tickets are $5 for each day, with kids 12 and under free. Parking is included. Adding the sauce to the barbecue is a special VIP ticket — $25 a day in advance, $30 a day at the gate — which allows guests to enjoy the fruits of the contestants’ labors. Friday night, these VIPs will pick a winner for the People’s Choice Seafood Contest, while Saturday they crown the People’s Choice Pulled Pork Contest winner.
Proceeds from the Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned event go to help the Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County and Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Pediatrics Emergency Inpatient Unit. To volunteer or for more info: www.barBAYq.com.